PROTECT THE GAME

The IFA’s Doping Control Regulations protect the integrity of the game and help to safeguard players’ health. These rules ensure that no player can use a banned drug or treatment method to improve their performance. This keeps the game fair and free from cheating.

The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) has more info on their website. For the latest information on Irish League rules visit The Irish Football Association website

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Drug Testing

The IFA conducts random blood and urine tests for the substances included on the Prohibited List. You can be drug-tested after a game, at a training session or at home, and may be asked to provide a urine or blood sample.

If you are selected for a drug test, you must attend the Doping Control Station (DCS) immediately. It’s important to remember that as well as performance-enhancing drugs, recreational drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy or cannabis are also banned at all times.

You might face disciplinary charges, including a suspension of up to four years if:

a banned substance is present in your sample

you refuse to provide a sample

you fail to attend the DCS immediately

you are abusive or insulting towards a Doping Control official

you interfere with the drug-testing process

Medication

Most of the drugs on The IFA’s banned list can be found in everyday medicines. Always check whether any ingredients in a medicine are banned before you take it.

If you do need to take a medicine that contains a prohibited substance, such as a cough or cold remedy, you should consult with your club doctor and ask for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

We would recommend you avoid taking any supplements, unless directed by your club doctor, as the industry is largely unregulated and banned substances aren’t always listed on ingredients’ lists.

Recreational Drugs and Alcohol

While alcohol is not banned, The IFA Doping Control Regulations prohibit players from taking recreational drugs at all times.

If you’re found to have taken recreational drugs, you will face a suspension of up to six months. However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when you’re tested after a match.

We advise you to be cautious when drinking alcohol, as it is usually a common factor in cases where players have tested positive for recreational drugs. If you do decide to drink in public places, think carefully about how much you have, and remember to keep your drinks with you at all times to make sure they can’t be spiked.

Testing and Whereabouts

If you’re leaving early/arriving late to a training session, or missing it completely, you are obliged to notify The IFA.

Your notification to The IFA must include:

your club details

your full name

your full address including postcode

a one-hour time slot, between 6 am and 11 pm, when you are available for testing at home. This must be provided at least two hours in advance.